This year’s Local Qualifier for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship will remain a 54-hole event as originally planned.

Scott Roy, the Bermuda Professional Golfers’ Association president, initially said the event had reverted back to its original 36-hole format

“The Bermuda Qualifier remains unchanged,” Roy said.

“It will be 36 holes played over two days at the Port Royal Golf Course.

“The event organisers have asked for one less round due to the short time frame to allow Port Royal to be in its best possible condition, so there’s no change to the qualifier and we are excited to have the opportunity to be able to compete for the biggest stage in golf.”

However, the experienced professional later confirmed that the event, which takes place at Port Royal Golf Course on October 17 and 18, will remain at 54 holes this year to allow players the opportunity to earn more ranking points.

The competitors will play 36 holes on October 17 with the remaining 18 holes taking place the next day.

The top three Bermudian golfers in the Local Qualifier will secure spots in the main event with the next three gaining entry into the Butterfield Bermuda APGA Championship, also being held at Port Royal.

“We are looking forward to having the top three golfers in that qualifier represent Bermuda and Bermudians in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship as well as the fourth, fifth and sixth players representing Bermuda in the Butterfield Bermuda APGA event,” Roy added.

Michael Sims, Nick Jones and Jarryd Dillas qualified for last year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship with Christian Collins, Oliver Betschart, Camiko Smith and Damian Palanyandi securing spots in the inaugural Butterfield Bermuda APGA Championship. Cory Desilva replaced Collins in the APGA event as the next-best qualifier.

The Bermuda APGA Championship takes place on October 26 to 28, with the Bermuda Championship to be held from November 9 to 12. The winner of the APGA event will receive exemption in the Bermuda Championship.